Fayette County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2000 census, the population was 148,644. The county has a total area of 2,067 km² (798 mi²). 2,046 km² (790 mi²) of it is land and 20 km² (8 mi²) of it (0.98%) is water. Fayette County was created on September 26, 1783 from part of Westmoreland County and named after the Marquis de Lafayette. Its county seat is Uniontown.

History

Fayette County was formed on September 26, 1783 from Westmoreland County. It was named in honor of the Marquis de LaFayette, a French aristocrat who became a lifelong friend of George Washington. Marquis served as a General in the Revolutionary War and petitioned the French to give support for the American cause. For more information on the history of Fayette County one of the best resources is History of Fayette County, Pennsylvania by Franklin Ellis 1882.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 148,644 people, 59,969 households, and 41,198 families residing in Fayette County. The population density was 73/km² (188/mi²). There were 66,490 housing units at an average density of 32/km² (84/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 95.30% White, 3.51% Black or African American, 0.11% Native American, 0.22% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.11% from other races, and 0.73% from two or more races. 0.38% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 59,969 households out of which 28.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.80% were married couples living together, 12.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.30% were non-families. 28.00% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.96.

Fayette County’s population was spread out with 22.70% under the age of 18, 7.70% from 18 to 24, 27.20% from 25 to 44, 24.20% from 45 to 64, and 18.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 91.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.60 males.

Municipalities

Under Pennsylvania law, there are four types of incorporated municipalities: cities, boroughs, townships, and in at most two cases, towns. Fayette County contains two cities, seventeen boroughs, and twenty four townships. Below is a map of the boroughs and cities, simply mouse over to view their name or click to find out more info:

Government

Fayette County is governed by three commissioners who are elected to serve four year terms in office. Fayette County Commissioners: Angela M. Zimmerlink, Vince Zapotosky, and Vincent A. Vicites.

County government provides the following services:

Education

Below is a map of the school districts. Mouse over a region for the school district or click to go to that schools page.

Attractions

There are many attractions to visit in Fayette County. Many of the attractions are listed here.

Related Links

• www.co.fayette.pa.us